Byron, baby.

I now have a chance to sit down and write about my last couple of days in Byron, because… it is currently pouring ran.

I have been reminded by a few kind Aussie’s that it is indeed still Spring here so the weather has been a little unpredictable. Well, this is really interrupting my sun intake, Australia.

But I really shouldn’t complain – up until today the weather has been quite good. Rather windy, and it cools down in the evening, but overall very enjoyable.

I have come to the conclusion that Byron Bay is to young Canadians what Whistler is to young Aussies. A good fraction of their economy seems to be fuelled by and facilitated by the work of Canadians. Indeed, this has made me feel quite at home!

Ceasar’s on the menu – yeah, they have a few Canadians here.

I think I have quite effectively adjusted to hippy beach time while here. I went on a few runs in the morning along the beach and up to the light house. I’ve put in a good amount of time vegging by the hostel pool. Of course, the hostel pool is not the most ideal sanctuary of relaxation what with loud obnoxious patrons whipping around sports balls only feet away from your lounge chair. With every bounce your heart races in anticipating of the ball smacking you right in the face. Ahh, serenity now.

Byron is certainly a unique little shire. It’s evident to see that it has developed a lot since it’s hay day, but much of it’s charm and character still lingers – hippies and yogis included.

The streets are lined with hipster cafes, shops and restaurants. I have spent a good deal of time in a few bookstores and certainly taken advantage of a happy hour deal or two. Favourite among them is probably the piña colada and $1.50 oyster deal at Balcony.

In the late afternoons I would occasionally go down to the beach to sit on the rocks and watch the surfers. I didn’t go surfing myself because I have an irrational fear of sharks. I know, ridiculous. Georgia has repeated to me time and time again that they have shark spotting drones and other measures in place, but I knew I just wouldn’t be able to enjoy it. The ocean is a terrifying place! I did go swimming a few times though. (Close enough to shore to evade shark attacks).

This morning I went on a sea kayak with dolphins adventure! It was terrifying at first navigating my little kayak over the surf, but once we were out further and I had the hang of it, it was much more enjoyable. We saw dolphins dipping and diving all around – very cool! Unfortunately, I didn’t get any photos because I didn’t take my phone out with me. I figured even if I had it in a ziplock bag I would still either drop it in the ocean or get it wet somehow.

I splurged a bit and treated myself to a wee early birthday present of a massage at the Buddha Gardens Spa! Delightful. I simply can’t explain it but all my shakras now seem perfectly aligned and I feel in harmony with the moon and the tides. ;P

Yesterday I rented a bike with the hopes of riding out to Brunswick Heads, where Geo and Fraser used to live. Unfortunately the only route to get there was on the motorway, unless I took a massive detour. So I headed out to the motorway and within about one kilometre I decided it was just too sketchy and it certainly wouldn’t be an enjoyable ride.

Instead, I toodled around the smaller roads closer to Byron and I stopped the ‘The Farm’ for lunch. It was so nice to be back on a bike again! However, my butt could tell that it was not MY bike – if you know what I mean.

At The Farm I looked at some animals, ate a fabulous lunch and purchased some matching T-shirts for me, Geo and Leah (if either of you are reading this – just wait for it).

Overall, it’s been a really nice and relaxing couple of days in Byron but I am very excited to return to the arms of my bestie and see her and her parents over the weekend in Palm Beach (Gold Coast).